For those who have been in an accident or had their car break down while in traffic, it is almost instinct to get out and check the damage to the vehicle. However, according to safety experts from AAA and various state highway patrols, it is best to stay in your vehicle, especially if the accident occurs on a highway or in fast moving traffic.
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In situations where you must get out of your vehicle, it is best to make sure you get as far into the breakdown lane or shoulder as possible. Turn your hazard lights on and get out only after checking to make sure traffic allows it. Many people are killed each year when they get out of their vehicles following an accident and are struck by another vehicle.
The Wilton Bulletin reports that a man who stopped on parkway after he thought he hit an animal was struck after exiting his minivan.
The crash occurred on Thursday on the parkway just before the New York state line in Alpine, New Jersey.
The 41-year-old man whose name was not released was driving north in a minivan when he stopped because he thought he had hit a small animal. He exited his vehicle and was standing in the right lane.
He was hit by another vehicle. When police arrived, the man had no vital signs and was later pronounced dead at Nyack Hospital.
The accident is being investigated by the Bergen County prosecutor’s office along with the county sheriff’s department. No charges have been filed.
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